"My experience after a fall"

I was an inpatient at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro. I was originally admitted due to requiring surgery. However after having my surgery I experienced what I was told as delirium. I was confused, agitated and anxious, this caused me to fall on the ward and sustain an injury.

After my fall I was frightened and confused. I was unsure what happened and why. I felt alone. Staff on the ward were rushed off their feet, they supported me and checked I was okay but there was no follow up or support after this. Everyone seemed to care more about completing paperwork than asking me how I was feeling. I was scared to move, scared to ask for help if I needed something, and scared I was going to fall again. 

When I was well enough to go home. I was waiting in reception for my wife, I felt reserved and lost a lot of confidence from my fall. Everything around me felt overwhelming and I became anxious and tearful. A young member of staff who was dressed in a navy uniform walked past me and noticed I was upset.

They asked if I was okay and if they could help me. They listened to my experience, how I felt and I felt heard. They were the only person who followed up and asked how I felt after a fall and if there was anything they could support with to help build my confidence. It is a shame I did not have the opportunity to share my story with them following my fall on the ward instead of when I was discharged to go home. As I felt this could have improved my patient journey after such an awful experience. 

I cannot remember what department they work in or their specific job role, but I wanted to thank them from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to sit with me, show compassion and empathy and sharing a smile. Their support and knowledge was very valuable and because of them I felt safe and reassured when leaving the hospital.

Thank you. You are a ray of sunshine and brightened one of my stormiest days.